Window washer



J. B. KIRBY WINDOW WASHER Nov. .27, 1934.

Filed June 13, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N v.11 N'T'QK AT-roqmz w g- Jamea B masks Patented l qov. 27, 1934, l I

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application June 13, 1930', Serial No. 460,912

22 Claims. (01. 15-2)- This invention relates to surface washers and of delivering the liquid to the cleaning tool servhas particular reference to an electric washer for ing to pick it up and carry it away again.

windows, although the device can be used for In its preferred form this tool comprises a shel wood-work, panelling, and the like. The objects which may be either of metal or of some con- 5' of the invention are the provision of an el'ectrid s t o -resin like ba e i Compnsmg & 1101- cally operated-device which shall be simple and low rectangular body 1, open at one face and inexpensive, light to transport and convenient-to having at a point removed therefrom a downuse, whereby windows, wood-work, stone-work, wardly deflected shank 2 which in the form shown walls, ceilings, etc. can readily be washed and in F 2 h s a p tolrip. T secured 11 dried without wetting surrounding objects either the open face of this bodyis a soft-rubber nozzle- 6 by spattering or by running down or leakage; member comprising an outer rectangular walls the provision of a window-washing device which P 1 011 Which fi s y in the y and p shall effect the washing with a minimum of i ts s mewhat th b yo d, and is n v dwith liquid; the provision of an improved type of comtwo additional flexible walls 4-4 parallel to the bined brush and squeegee together with imlonger dimension of the opening, spaced from the 70 proved means for controlling their relative posiouter marginal walls 33 and from each other, tions; the provision of an improved washingand extending somewhat beyond the walls 3-3. head for windows and the like which can be op- These walls 4 4 constitute the sque a d als erated either at short distance or at greater disdefine the us ni r pe n sheir tance; while further objects and advantages of s'a p eferably nnected to the mar- '15 the invention will become apparent as the dce na wa s3 y partitions 55 whi h p rat scription e d therewith to define passageways 6 communicat- In the drawings accompanying andjorming a ing with the-interior of the tool. The walls 4-4 part of this applicationl have illustrated certain can ls be J d a different p n s by o her physical forms in which myinvention can be em- Partitions though in general t s better that bodied although it will be understood that these these be less qu than the pa titions 5 so drawings are intended to-"be only illustrative of a the brush-Chambers 3 defined thereby y the principles of myinvention and that many be comparatively large Size. changes in design, shape, arrangementyand pro- Slidably mounted in each of the chambers 8 is 30 portion can be made. Fig. 1 is a perspective view 11 P111811 pr r 1y formed of suitable tufts of illustrating the mode of using my improved surbllstles Set In an elongated, d, e y emface-washer; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view her, WhiQh Of course, b o WOOd but is better thro t hand-tool Shown in Fig 1; Fig 3 is a made of vulcanite or some other substance less horizontal sectional view through said hand-tool; Sensitive to t ocated at the rear of this 5 Fig" 4 is a from; e1evation of said handqmol; brush-head 11 is, a hollow manifold 12 provided 5 is a vertical sectional view through the power- Wlth plulality rw ly-pr jectin d mechanism. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a modi- PhaIge-tubBS 13, at least One Of Which ex ends fled f r of head Showing an extension handle into each brush chamber and is there concealed thereon; Fig 7 is a vertical sectional View among the bristles, terminat ng short of the free 40 through the head shown in 6 drawn to larger ends of those br1stles. This brush is movably 96 scale; Fig. 8 is a sectional view corresponding supported so as to t m 9 these b to the line of Fig. Fig is a detail chambers 8, and with this in view it is generally desirable to surround the rear end of the brush vlew thrcfugh the bristles with a skirt 14 of metal or other liquid 45 Acc,rdmg to my mventlon the W F hquld resistant substance, which may both facilitate 100 1s apphed to and removed from the g the sliding movement and prevent the suction face by means of one and the same tool, this tool from acting-on the brush chambers 8. being of light a Q s y Wlelded natllre- The The power-plant of the device comprises essenhdl d s pp d and distributed and the adherent tially a reservoir for cleaning-fluid, a reservoir for 50 snm s d y m ans f a us this brush dirty fluid, a pressure-pump for delivering the being advanced and retracted by either manual former to 'the working-tool, and an air-suctionor fluid-pressure means, the arrangement being pump for removing the used liquid from the such that when the brush is retracted the cleancleansed surface. The reservoir for dirty fluid ing tool exhibits a practicable squeegee, and the may well consist of a common pail 15, though a same power which is employed for the purpose special design of receptacle can, of course, be

' structed without injury what better.

provided. The bail 16, however, with which such a pair is ordinarily equipped constitutes a perfectly satisfactory means of transporting the mechanism. On this receptacle is placed a horizontal cover 1'7, from which is suspended, inside the outer receptacle, a casing 18 adapted to receive the clean fluid. Carried by the cover is a housing 19 for a centrifugal suction-fan 20 which is carried by the armature-shaft 21 of an electric-motor 22, this shaft being arranged in vertical position, and the motor being carried directly by the cover 17. The lower face of the housing 19 is formed with an air-inlet-opening 23 communicating by way of suitable nipple 25 adapted for the reception of a suction-hose 26, the opposite end of which communicates with the interior of the tool 1.

Rigid with the housing 19 is a second housing 29 of smaller size cooperating with a suitable pump-runner 30 carried by the vertical extension 31 of the armature shaft 21. This hydraulic pump is submerged in the casing 18 and from its outlet a comparatively small pipe 32 leads into the nipple 25, and thence by way of a small pressure-hose 33 to the cleaning tool. This pump 29 may be of any suitable type, provided only that it be such as permits the outlet to be wholly obdriving motor. I have shown a simple centrifual pump which is both simple and serviceable. The pressure produced by the pump may vary widely without impairing theoperativeness of the device, but preferably I findthat from about 15 to about 60 lbs. per square inch for the liquidpressure is good practice. The conduit 33 may be of very small size, one-fourth inch internal diameter being good practice and it may well be carried inside the air hose 26, which last must be sufficiently larger to afford a fair passage, three: fourths inch internal diameter being satisfactory for most purposes, although an inch hose is some- The fan-housing 19 is provided with an outlet neck 34 downwardly and laterally turned in the annular space between the reservoir 15 and casing 18. The amount of suction or of air-movement need not be very great, provided only that it be sufficient to pick up and suck into the passageways 66 any liquid which is collected by the scraping action of the squeegee.

The pressure-hose 33 is connected to the manifold 12 by means of a flexible connection 35 and a control valve 36; and means is also provided to advance and retract the brush 10. In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 2 the valve 36 is formed with an external compressible button 3'7, positioned to be opened by being pushed by the operators thumb against the tension of a spring 38; and a trigger-like lever 39 is arranged to be operated by the forefinger of the same hand and thereby advance the brush beyond the squeegee against the tension of springs 40-40. When this is done. the casing 13 having previously been supplied with cleaning-fluid and the motor started, the pressure of the operators thumb on the button 3'7 allows the delivery of some of the cleansing liquid to each section of the brush. The tubes need not be large since the amount of liquid employed is preferably quite small. A tablespoonful of liquid is ordinarily ample per square foot of glass. This is carried to all parts of the surface and adherent grime loosened by the rubbing action of the bristles, after which the brush is allowed to recede into the head by the action of the springs 40-40, and the liquid remaining on the washed surface is removed by the squeegee a conduit 24 with a and carried away by the air suction through the passages 6 and thence to the receptacle 15. The partitions 4 which form the squeegee must therefore extend forward of the remainder of the nozzle sufficiently far to make contact with the glass, yet not so far as to render it impossible for the liquid to be sucked into the passageways 6. An

example of a convenient projection is one-fourth inch, with anozzle seven-eighths of an inch in external width, but greater or smaller. It is also possible to employ the pressure of the liquid for the purpose of moving the brush, and this substantially facilitates the employment of the device at a greater distance, as for example upon the end of an extension handle 45, assuming it is desired to wash the outsides of the windows. One mode of accomplishing this is shown in Figs. '7 and 8, wherein a collapsible rubberbag 46 is interposed between the brush-head andthe rear of the casing and is connected with the pressure-hose 33 by means of a branch 4'7. In this case I have shown the interior of the casing as provided with -'-a rock-shaft 48 supported in bearings 49 and provided at oppos'te ends with arms 50 engaging the forward face of the brushhead between adjacent bristle-tufts. Surrounding the shaft 48 is a suitable coil-spring 51. This arrangement serves to retract the brush and also to compel it to move evenly, while a finger 52 carried by the shaft engages the valve stem 53 when the brush has been advanced into working position to open the uid to flow from a second branch 55 of the hose 33 into the connection 56 which leads to the manifold 12. I have shown the bearings 49 as formed. in brackets 56 projecting from the valve casing 5'7 and serving for the attachment of said valve casing to the head. This head is here shown as made in two parts separable along the horizontal plane defined by the flanges 58 and having at each end a recess 59 receiving and supporting and guiding the ends of the brush-head 11.

The valve for controlling this liquid pressure can be located at any point in the system, example in a connection two lengths of the hose and adapted to be manipulated by the operator's left-hand while the right hand is manipulating the handle 45. One form which this valve may 9 and comprises two chambers 61 and 62, separated by an apertured partition 63 and connected, respectively, with nipples 64 and 65 adapted to make tight engagement with other nipples when the external parts are screwed together. The aperture between the chambers is controlled by a suitable valve member 66, which I have shown as provided with an independent stem 6'7 and closing spring 68, both carried by a screw plug 69 threaded nection 60. this plug with a web '70 formed with a bore '71 in line with the stem 67, and slidable in this bore is into one side of the con- "a second stem '72 provided at its inner end with i tion hose. Sufiicient play is left between the stem the same may be made either take is shown in Fig.-

The connection is formed opposite valve 54, and so permit liqas for 60 interposed between its outer end with a head '74 '72 and the valve 66 to enable the closing of the duct '76 before the valve 66 is unseated.

Upon pressing the button '74, the duct '76 is first closed, after which the valve ,66 isunseated and fluid from the pressure pump isadmitted to the bag 46 so as to advance the brush." When'the apparatus is first started this fluid consists of the air in the pipe, but as soon as the advance of the brush has opened'the valve 54 this airis dis charged and is replaced by liquid. ",When sufii cient'l'iquid has been ejected the stem 72 is. partly released, sufficiently to allow the closing of the valve 66, but without openingthe vent so as to permit the collapsing of the bag The brush until the complete releasing of the stem 72 allows the escape of liquid from the "bag 46, The handle .45 can be of any desired length,-or the hose 26 can be connected directly tothe shank 2 of the tool.

When rightly used the windowscan be washed on the inside without'necessitating the "removing of shades or curtains or other hangings, and paneling, if smooth, can be washed without running down or leakage on to the'floor. Thenature of the cleansing'liquid used depends upon" the whim of the user Soap and "water can be em ployed alth ough I do not recommend it due to its somewhat greasy character. A solution of washing soda, however, or of, ammonia inwater is very satisfactory, as also are most glass-wash ing compounds to beiound on the market," The amount of suction and the quantity of air displaced is preferably only such as is reasonably sufficient to remove the liquid from the'glass or other surface and to catch any whichattempts to run down the same. Morethan thisi's injurious as tending to convert the liquid into spray and render it difficult to catch in the receptacle. I do not limit myself to the particular features of design, shape, arrangement and appearance of the parts herein illustrated except as the same are specifically recited in my several" claims, which I desire may beconstrued each' independently of limitationscontained in other claims.

Having thus described my invention what]? claim is: 1 i

1; In a device of the character described, a tool having both a brush anda squeegee formed from" separated squeegee elements attached thereto v and projecting in the same direction therefrom,

means for advancing and retracting said squeegee and brush'one relativelyto the other, and tubular means for simultaneously -=supplying cleansing liquid 'to the working surface 'by way of the interior of said squeegee and removing liquid from such surface by 'wayof the exterior'of said squeegee.

A 2. In a device of the character described, a head having both a brush anda squeegee at- ,tached thereto and projecting therefrom and means whereby said brush and squeegee may alternatively be applied to a working surface, said squeegee having a wall adjacentto said brush,

I tubular means for supplying cleansing liquid to said brush, a liquid supply pump operatively connected tosaid tubular means, suction connections additional to said tubular means operatively connectedto said head to pick up liquid collected'by the side of the wall of said squeegee facing" away from said brush, and a suction pump operatively connected to said suc tion connections.

3. In a device of the character described-in ,combination, a tool comprising a hollow head,

a squeegee and a brush carried by said head adjacent to each otherand facing in=substantially the same direction, said squeegee having a wall" adjacent to said brush, means forapplying said brush-and squeegee: alternatively 120 a working;

surface, tubular meansfor supplying; cleansing 1 liquid to' said brush, and suction connections additional to-said tubular means, for removing; liqv uid'collected by theiside of the wall of said squee gee-remote from said brush. 1

4. In a device of the character deseribed, m.

combinatioma "handle,a squeegee formed fromfl separated squeegee elements carried thereby, a

suction connection having an inlet adjacent to cleaningliquidnto said brush,.. and means for controlling-the liquid supply. j. i [-5. In a device of the-character described, a squeegee having a recess therein, ,a brush located in said' 'recess, tubular. meansfor supplying cleansing liquid to said brush-means for advanc ing and retracting said brush, said brush when advanced projecting beyondsaid squeegee, and said squeegee projectingbeyond said brush when the latter has been retracted,and a suction con nection additional to said tubular meansand having an inlet outside, of saidsqueegeea 6; In a: device: of the character described, .in combination, a handle,a squeegee. and a brush carried by said handle adjacentto each other and facingin the same direction, means for advahcing and retracting said brush and squeegee one relative to'thewother, anda suction-connection having anuinlet adjacent to said squeegee retracting said brush-and squeegee ,one relative to the'other, therelbeing suction openings adjacent to'said squeegee a suction pump, and a flexible hose connecting said suction openings to the inlet-of said pump. I 8. In" a device of" the :character described, in

combination, a handle, a squeegee anda brush carried by said handle adjacent toeach other and facing in the same directiommeans for advancing and retracting said brush and squeegee one relative to the other, there being suction openings adjacent to saidsqueegee, asuction pump,-a=flexible hose connectingsaid suction openings to theinlet of said pump, and controllable liquid connections to said brush additional to and independent of ,saidsuction pump and hosei; I

-9. '-Ina device of the character described, 'in "combination, asplit squeegee having two flexible lips and a recess between them, and also having suction openings outside of and adjacent to said lips, a brush movablyv mountedin said recess. means for advancing and retractingsaidbrush relative to said lips, valve controlled, connections for supplying cleansing liquid to said recess, a suction pump, and a flexible hose connecting said suction openings to, the inlet of saidpump,

10. In a tool'for the'purpose describedganelom, 1 gated, rectangular, soft-rubber member ,comprising apairof spaced flexible walls, a pair of outer walls spaced from and'parallel to said first walls, and spaced transverse partitions connecting eachjecting forwardly beyond to the interior of said body,

4 of said first walls to the adjacent second wall, said first walls projecting outwardly beyond said partitions and said second walls. a

11. A tool for the purpose described comprising a soft-rubber nozzle-member comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, flexible walls, a pair of outer walls spaced from each of said first walls and parallel thereto, spaced, transverse, partitionsconnecting said first walls, and spaced, transverse partitions connecting each of said first walls with the adjacent second wall, said last named partitions being closer together than the first named partitions so as to define a plurality of small passageways at each side of an elongated recess.

12. A tool for the purpose described comprising a soft-rubber nozzle-member comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, flexible walls, a pair of outer walls spaced from each of said first walls and parallel thereto, a brush movably mounted in the space between said first-named walls and spaced transverse partitions connecting each of said first walls with the adjacent second wall, said first walls prosaid outer walls.

13. A tool for the purpose described comprising a hollow, supporting body rectangular opening,a suction hose connected to the interior oi said body, and a soft-rubber nozzlemember comprising portion fitting in said opening and projecting therebeyond, said nozzle-member also having two additional fiexible walls parallel to the longer dimension of the opening, spaced from the outer walls and from each other and extending beyond the first-named walls, said nozzle-member having suction openings between said second walls and said first named walls.

14. A tool for the purpose described comprising a hollow supporting body having a handle and a rectangular opening, a suction hose connected and a soft-rubber nozzle-member comprising an outer rectangular wall-portion fitting in said opening and projecting therebeyond, said nozzle-member also having two additional fiexible walls parallel to the longer dimension of the opening, spacedirom the outer walls and from each other and extending beyond the first-named walls, said nozzle-member having suction-openings between said second walls and said first walls, a brush-member located in the space between said second-named walls, and means for advancing and retracting said brushmember. i

15. Ina device of the character described, in combination, an elongated, soft-rubber, nozzlemember having outer walls and a pair of protruding lips spaced from each other and from the outer walls of said nozzle-member, therebeing a plurality of suction-openings formed between each lip and the adjacent margin of the nozzle, a suction connection to all of said openings, and a pressure liquid-supply connection to the space between said lips.

16. In a device of the character described, in combination, an elongated, soft-rubber, nozzlemember having outer walls and a pair of protruding lips spaced from each other and from the outer walls of said nozzle-member, there being a plurality of suction-openings formed between each lip and the adjacent margin of the nozzle,

a suction connection to all of said openings, a brush movably mounted in a space between said lips, means for advancing and retracting said brush, and a controllable liquid supply connection to the space between said lips.

1'1. A tool for the purpose described comprising having a handle and a an outer rectangular walla hollow supporting body for a handle and a rectangular opening, a sort-rubber nozzle-member located in said opening and having outer walls and a pair of protruding lips spaced from each other and from the outer walls of said nozzlemember, therebeing a plurality of suction openings formed-between each lip and the adjacent margin of the nozzle, 8. brush-head supported inside said tool, bristles carried by said brush-head and projecting into the space between said-lips, means for advancing and retracting said brushhead, liquid supply tubes carried by said brushhead and also projecting into the space between said lips, a suction hose connected to said head and communicating with the hollow interior thereof, a liquid supply pipe located inside said hose and communi ting with said tubes, and a valve for said pipe.

18. In a device of the character described, in combination, a hollow casing having in one side an elongated mouth, a brush-head removably mounted in said casing and having bristles projecting into said mouth, means for advancing and retracting said head so as either to cause said bris-- ties to protrude-beyond said mouth or to repose therewithin, liquid supply pipes located among said bristles and movable therewith, liquid supplying connections to said pipes, means for controlling the supply of liquid thereto, a squeegee carried by said casing parallel to said mouth and operative when saidbrush is retracted, liquidcollecting means adjacent to said squeegee, and suction connections to said liquid-collecting means.

19. In a device of the character described, in combination, a cleaning tool comprising a hollow casing having an elongated mouth, a squeegee parallel with and surrounded by said mouth, a brush inside said mouth and movable relative to said casing, means for advancing andretracting said brush, said brush having bristles which when advanced project beyond said squeegee and when retracted lie inside said squeegee, liquid pipes in said brush, and means comprising a flexible hose for supplying liquid under pressure to said pipes, the space between said squeegee and mouth providing a passageway tor the removal of such liquid.

20. In a device of the combination, a cleaning tool comprising a hollow casing having an elongated mouth, a squeegee parallel with and surrounded by said mouth, a

character described, in

said casing, means for advancing and retracting said brush, said brush having bristles which when advanced project beyond said squeegee and when retracted lie inside said squeegee, liquid pipes in said brush, and means comprising flexible conduits for supplying liquid under pressure to said pipes and for removing liquid from said casing. the space between said squeegee and mouth providing a passageway for the removal of such liquid.

21. In a device of the character described, in combination, a hollow casing having in one side an elongated mouth, a brush-head removably mounted in said casing and having bristles projecting into said mouth, a hand grip for said casing, a finger-operable lever pivoted to said casing in proximity to said hand grip, means operatively connecting said lever to said head for advancing and retracting the same so as either to cause said bristles to protrude beyond said mouth or to withdraw them there-within, liquid pipes located among said bristles and movable therewith, controllable liquid supply connections to said pipes, and a squeegee carried by said casing parallel to said mouth and operative when said brush is retracted.

22. In a device of the character described, in combination a hollow casing having in one side an elongated mouth, a brush-head removably mounted in said casing and having bristles projecting into said mouth, an operating handle for said casing, fluid pressure means for advancing and retracting said head so as either to cause said bristles to protrude beyond said mouth or to withdraw them therewithin, liquid pipes located among said bristles and movable therewith, controllable liquid supply connections to said fluid pressure means and to said pipes, and a squeegee carried by said casing parallel to said mouth and operative when said brush is retracted.

JAMES B. WY. 

